Epidemiology of Burned Patients Admitted In Burn Unit of A Rural Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Epidemiological study on burn injuries and exploration of the risk factors in different regions is important for effective intervention. Very little is known about burn injuries in Wardha district of Maharastra. Aims and objectives;To determine epidemiological, clinical variables and common risk factors in patients of burn injuries. Material and methods; Retrospective & prospective study was carried out on a total of (n=714) burn patients admitted in the Department of Surgery at Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram between 1 st April 1999 to 31 st March 2003 This descriptive study reflects epidemiological data & clinical assessment of burn patients. Observation; The 21-40 yrs age groups had 53.5% of total patients. Female out numbered males in all age group (F:M = 1.77:1). In our study 70.31% of the patients belonged to low socioeconomic status, while 62.32% patients were illiterate. A total 67.07% patient was married and in both groups, percentage of married females was more. 44.12% patients were housewives, 92.58% of burn injury was accidental. Flame burn constituted 87.82% cases. Burn case mortality rate was 46.36%. Septicaemia 42.21% was most common modality of death. Conclusion; High-risk groups and risk factors for burn are age 21-40 yrs, married female, housewives, low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, flame burn mostly due to open fire cooking, accidental nature. So measures should be taken to provide proper education to prevent these accidents and ensure safety.